Convertible toothbrush



July 31, 1934. I E. D. LUKENBILL 1,968,411

CONVERTIBLE TOOTHBRUSH 4/5 I q .IH- PIE INVENTOR.

Patented July 31, 1934 unire STATES lPATENT orFlce 16 Claims.

This invention relates to a toothbrush adapted to reach the interstices on the inner and outer curved surfaces of the dental arch, which upon the interior of the arch is concave in outline and for cleaning the same a 'convex brush is required, while the exterior of the dental arch is convex in character and for cleaning the same a concave brush is required.

The chief object of the present invention is to provide a brush that is readily changeable from a concave to a convex brush structure and vice versa, and with a minimum of manipulation.

The chief feature of the invention consists in the accomplishment of the foregoing object by providing a-toothbrush having a handle with a brush head segment that is permanently associated therewith, and in its entirety constitutes a convex brushing structure and movably associating therewith another brush segment which in cooperation with the permanently associated and immovable rst mentioned brush segment, is adapted to form a concave brush structure.

. The basic idea of providing a brush structure capable of arrangement so. that both dental arches may be properly accommodated, is well known. However, the brush structures heretofore provided have inherent defects or objections which have practically prohibited their commercial acceptance. The chief criticism has been that the vbrush structures, heretofore provided, require a peculiar. and excessive amount of manipulation and as a partl ofl said objection, such structures generally requireithe complete detachment of the brushingmeans and its repositioning. v I

Other features of the inventionwillA appear more fully hereinafter andiat least onevformgof the invention is so arranged that the movably associated brush segment is` permanently associated with the brush structure.

The area of the mouth inside the dental arch available for brush reception and operation is much smaller than the area `of the mouth between the cheeks and the outside of the dental f arch. Hence, a smaller convex brush for the interior concave dental arch and a Ylonger concave brush for the exterior convex dental arch is the only satisfactory solution for proper and complete cleaning of the entire dental arch.

Bearing in mind the smaller area limitation, the present invention contemplates movably associating a transforming brush section-with a permanently mounted brush section, the latter being especially adapted for the interiorarch by s shortness in length and convexity in contour,

for providing a longer and concave total brush particularly adapted for exterior arch cleansing.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawing and the following description and claims:-

In the drawing Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the invention, showing the brush as of convex formation, the dotted lines` indicating an additional portion of the brush structure when positioned to form a concave brush structure.

Fig. 2is a side elevation of the transforming brush segment, this form of the invention being shown as of detachable character.

Fig. '3 is a side elevation of a detachable type 70 of transformable brush, the brush being shown as of theconcave form.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal. sectional view taken on line 4--4 of Fig. 3 and in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of a modified form of transformable brush, the movable brush portion being shown in full lines in concave brush formation and in dotted lines when the brush is arranged for convex form.

Fig.' 6 is a similar lView of a still further modied form ofthe invention and in this form of the invention the pivotal construction is upon an axis transverse to that shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of still a further form of the entire invention and includes certain features found in Figs. 3 and 6.

' Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7 in the direction of the arrows and in the plane between the two brush sections.

In Figs. l and 2 of the drawing, 10 indicates a conventional handle. At one end of said handle are suitably secured brush bristles 1l which are arranged in convex formation and thus are adapted to form a rbrush suitable for cleaning the interstices of the inner dental arch which is of concave` character in outline. 12 indicates a supplementary brush segment base which is adapted to form a continuation of the handle 10, as hereinafterv set forth.

Suitably secured to the base 12 are the bristles 13 which have a peculiar surface conformation so that when the base 12 is operatively associated with the handle 10, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 1, there results a total concave brush 105 structure peculiarly adaptable for cleaning the exterior dental arch, which is of convex character in outline.

One form ofconnection between the handle 10 and the base 12 includes. a tubular socket 14 110 formed in the end of the handle, and the same is adapted to receive a tongue or pin 15 suitably secured to or imbedded in the base 12 and projecting therefrom.

When the resulting brush structure is to be used, the base 12 is removed from the handle 10 and the brush is utilized for cleaning the inner dental arch. Following this operation, the base 12 is detachably associated with the handle 10 and then the exterior dental arch is cleaned by the resultant total concave brush structure. The detachable portion then is left in its associated relation with the handle until the brush is to be again used, whereupon the performance is re@ peated. Thus, the end piece 12 and brush 13 are dry and free from tooth paste Whenever they are to be handled for attachment or detachment since the brush 13 and base 12 dry between tooth brushing operations.

In Figs. 3 and 4 a modified form of detachable, transformable brush structure is illustrated, and in said form of the invention, parts similar or like those found in Figs. 1 and 2, bear similar numerals of the one hundred series. Thus, the handle supports the convex brush structure 111 at one end and the base portion 112 supports the brush structure 113. Each side of the handle adjacent the brush 111 is provided with grooves 114 and herein the base 112 is shown provided with a pair of grooves 116 which are connected together by an aperture 117 in which is mounted the midportion 118 of a U-shaped member having the spring arms which lie in the grooves 116 and are adapted to seat in the grooves 114 and frictionally secure the detachable brush segment to the permanent brush segment in operative relation to transform the convex brush of relatively short length into a concave brush of somewhat greater length.

In Figs. 5 and 6 there are illustrated modified forms of the invention, and these forms diier from those illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, by the movable brush segment being permanently attached to the brush structure.

In Fig. 5, 210 indicates a brush handle of conventional character, carrying upon one end the bristles 211 which form a convex brush structure. A oase 212 is provided with bristles 213 which, when aligned with the bristles 211 and positioned adjacent the same, transforms the convex brush 211 into a concave brush 213-211. A pivotal structure, generally indicated by the numeral 218, pivotally supports the arms 215 which are carried by the base 212. In this form of the invention, the free ends of the arms 215 may be imbedded in the base 212. The handle 210 may be suitably grooved as at 214 so that the arrns 215 will seat therein, and this will result in the latching of the arms in the grooves and yet will permit forcible displacement of the arms to permit the tilting of the arms about the axis of the pivot 218 and from the full line position shown in Fig. 5 to the dotted line position.

The person using the brush in this instance would grasp the brush handle 210 immediately forward of the brush base 212, when it is positioned as shown in the dotted line position, and the interior dental arch would then be cleaned. Following such cleaning operation, the brush base 212 will be tilted upon the axis of the pivot 218 and the two brush portions aligned, and then the exterior arch would be cleaned. The brush would normally be maintained in this position between successive brushings.

In Fig. 6 there is illustrated a modified form of the foregoing type of invention, and in this form parts similar to the parts found in Fig. 5, or identical thereto, bear similar numerals of the three hundred series. The handle is indicated by the numeral 310, the convex bristle forming p0rtion by the numeral 311, the pivot by the numeral 318, which is transverse to the position of the pivot shown at 218 in Fig. 5, the auxiliary brush base being indicated by the numeral 312, and the bristles supported thereby by the numeral 313.

In this form of the invention the base has an extension 315 that underlies the back of the handle 310 and is pivoted to the handle as at 318. Any suitable form of latch structure may be provided. Thus, the portion 315 may be yieldingly locked in either of the two positions. The operation is substantially that heretofore set forth with reference to Fig. 5; Portion 315 has a clamp type extension 316 which receives, nests, or to which the base 312 is secured.

In Figs. '7 and 8 a further modification of the invention and of the detachable type is illustrated. In said gures, 410 indicates the handle, 411 the convex brush segment and 413 the transforming brush segment supported by the auxiliary base 412. Base 412 has a substantially tubular extension 414 to telescope the brush end of handle 410. To clear or accommodate brush segment 411, the extension is slotted longitudinally as at 416. The extension, see Fig. 8, has its portions immediately adjacent the slot, when mounted in the handle, overlie the handle or base 410 to the extent noted, thereby nesting the handle 410 in the tubular extension with brush segment 411 exposed. To prevent mouth injury, the handle is reduced in crosssectional area, as at 414.

While the invention has been described in great detail in the preceding description and various forms of the invention have been illustrated in the drawing, the aforesaid is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character and these several modifications together with others which will readily'suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which this invention applies,

are all to be considered within the broad scope of this invention, reference being had to the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:-

1. In a toothbrush, the combination with a handle and a brush bristle head segment having a brushing face substantially of convex character and permanently mounted at one end of the handle, of a second brush segment having a brushing face substantially of a rough concave character and adapted for longitudinal aligned addition to and removal from the rst mentioned brush segment for changing the original convex brush to a roughly concave brush and vice versa.

2. In a toothbrush, the combination with a handle and a brush bristle head segment having a brushing face substantially of convex character and at one end of the handle, of a second brush segment having a brushing face substantially of a rough concave character and adapted for longitudinal aligned addition to and removal L1 from the first mentioned brush segment for changing the original convex brush to a roughly concave brush and vice versa, the resultant concave brush being of greater length than the original brush, the larger concave resulting brush L,

being adapted for use upon the large, external and convex dental arch, and the original convex smaller brush being adapted for use upon the smaller interior and concave dental arch.

3. in a tooth brush, the Combination with a handle and a brush bristle head segment having a brushing face substantially of convex character and permanently mounted at one end' of the handle, of a second brush segment having a brushing face substantially of a rough concave character and adapted for longitudinal aligned addition to and removal from the first mentioned brush segment for changing the original convex brush to a roughly concave brush and vice versa, and means permanently connecting the second brush segment to the original brush.

4. In a toothbrush, the combination with a handle and a brush bristle head segment having a brushing face substantially of convex character and at one end of the handle, or" a second brush segment having a brushing face substantially of a rough concave character and adapted for longitudinal aligned addition to and removal from the rst mentioned brush segment for changing the original convex brush to a roughly concave brush and vice versa, the resultant concave brush being of greater length than the original brush, the larger concave brush being adapted for use upon the large, external and convex dental arch, the original convex smaller brush being adapted for use upon the smaller interior and concave dental arch, and means permanently connecting the second brush segments to the original brush.

5. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle and a second brush segment movably associated with the handle, said brush being changeable by movement of one segment relative to the other from convex to concave curvature, or vice versa,

said second brush segment being pivotally associated with the handle and movable from one end of the brush to the opposite end of the brush, the axis of pivotal movement being substantially midway between the ends of the handle.

6. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably when aligned with the convex brush segment forming therewith a concave brush of greater length than the convex brush, said second brush segment being pivotally associated with the handle and movable from one end of the brush to the opposite end of the brush, the axis of pivotal movement being substantially midway between the ends of the handle.

7. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle and a second brush segment movably associated with the handle, said brush being changeable by movement of one segment relative to the other from convex to concave curvature, or vice versa, said second brush segment being pivotally associated with the handle and movable from one end of the brush to the opposite end of the brush, the axis of pivotal movement being substantially midway between the ends of the handle, and means providing said pivotal connection, said handle and said means having a cooperative latching relation.

8. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably associated with the handle and when aligned with the convex brush segment forming 1 therewith a concave brush of greater length than associated with the handle and` the convex brush, saidv second brush segment` being pivotally associated with the handle and movablefrom one end of. the brush to the opposite end of the brush, the axis of pivotal movement being substantially midway between the ends of the handle, and means providing said pivotal connection, said handle and said means having a cooperative latching relation.

9. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a .brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle and a second brush segment movably associated with the handle, said brush being changeable by movement of. onesegment relative to the other from convex to concavecurvature, or vice versa, and means including a recessed portion in the handle and a projecting portion carried by the second brush segment and receivable by the recessed portion for detachably securing the same together.

Y10. In a toothbrush, .the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably associated with the handle and when aligned with the convexbrush segment forming therewith a concave brush of greater length than the convex brush, and means including a recessed portion in the handle and a projecting portion carried by the second brush segment and receivable by the recessed portion for detachably securing the same together 11. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle and a second brush segment movably associated with the handle, said brush being changeable by movement of one segment relative to the other from convex to concave curvature, or vice versa, and means detachably securing the second brush segment to the handle including a pair of grooves on opposite sides of the handle adjacent the first brush segment and projecting portions extending from one end of the second brush segment for seating in said grooves for detachably connecting the second brush segment to the handle with the brushes in alignment.

12. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably associated with the handle and when aligned with the convex brush segment forming therewith a concave brush of greater length than the convex brush, and means detachably securing the second brush segment to the handle including a pair of grooves on opposite sides of the handle adjacent the rst brush segment and projecting portions extending from one end of the second brush segment for seating in said grooves for detachably connecting the second brush segment to the handle with the brushes in alignment.

13. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle and a second brush segment movably associated with the handle, said brush being changeable by movement of one segment relative to the other from convex to concave curvature, or vice versa, and means detachably securing the second brush segment to the handle including a pair of grooves on opposite sides of the handle adjacent the rst brush segment and projecting portions extending from one end of the second brush segment for seating in said grooves for detachably connecting the second brush segment to the ico handle with the brushes in alignment, said second mentioned brush segment supported projecting portions being of resilient character for frictionally seating the same in said grooves.

14. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably associated with the handle and when aligned with the convex brush segment forming therewith a concave brush of greater length than the convex brush, and means detachably securing the second brush segment to the handle including a pair of grooves on opposite sides of the handle adjacent the rst brush segment and projecting portions extending from one end of the second brush segment for seating in said grooves for detachably connecting the second brush segment to the handle with the brushes in alignment, said second mentioned brush segment supported projecting portions being of resilient character for frictionally seating the same in said grooves.

15. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle head segment permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle,

and a secondvbrush segment movably associated with the handle, said handle being changeable by movement of one segment relative to the other from convex to concave curvature, or vice versa, and means comprising a detachable connection between the second mentioned brush segment and the handle including a portion projecting from the second mentioned brush segment and adapted for slidable connection with the brush handle adjacent the first mentioned brush segment.

16. In a toothbrush, the combination of a handle, a brush bristle segment of convex form and permanently associated therewith at one end of the handle, and a second brush head segment movably associated with the handle and when aligned with the convex brush segment forming therewith a concave brush of greater length than the convex brush, and means comprising a detachable connection between the second mentioned brush segment Vand the handle including a portion projecting from the second mentioned brush segment and adapted for slidable connection with the brush handle adjacent the iirst mentioned brush segment.

EMERY D. LUKENBILL. 

